The Lesson
Korea's Geography

(OPENING)
1.	Have students compare maps of showing Korea in different contexts. The lesson should begin with the teacher showing (1) a large map of Korea, (2) a world map with Korea on it and (3) a map of Asia alone. Help students see that on a world map Korea, like Great Britain, may seem small, but on a map of Asia its location as a crossroads country is easier to see.
(READING)
2.	Divide the class into six groups and assign each with a specific perspective all dealing with the central topic, "How do you describe a nation?" After each group has looked over its assigned handout, have them conduct their own research on Korea. Six Perspectives on Korea (see handouts for each): 1: Resources 2: Location 3: People 4: Natural Beauty 5: Historic Sites 6: Strategic Value
(INVESTIGATIONS)
3.	Ask each group to give three major points based on its analysis of Korean geography.
(ASSESSMENT)
4.	As a final activity, have students write a two-sentence lead to a short essay on Korea and its geography.
5.	To summarize, have the class discuss such questions as: a) Is a crossroads location an asset or a danger? b) Are other people enticed to a country by historical sights, natural beauty or economic     considerations? c) Do resources determine a country's power or is it the energy of its people? d) What parts of Korea are likely to change? What will stay the same?
(ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES)
6.	Materials on the geography of Korea can be found in many books and Web sources. The teacher may expand the lesson to include additional topics. Students may wish to develop their own information center on Korea with suggestions for travel or developing economic resources.